Health Informatics Specialist vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Health Informatics Specialist
Manage and analyse healthcare data systems to improve patient outcomes.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average — the national median is $17,002/year (17%) higher than a Genetic Counselor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Health Informatics Specialist vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Health Informatics Specialist | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $167,045 | $141,022 | Health +$26,023 |
| New York, NY | $137,525 | $120,948 | Health +$16,577 |
| Seattle, WA | $166,153 | $145,082 | Health +$21,071 |
| Austin, TX | $130,205 | $110,879 | Health +$19,326 |
| Chicago, IL | $123,750 | $108,510 | Health +$15,240 |
| Boston, MA | $155,128 | $130,390 | Health +$24,738 |
| London, UK | £92,602 | £77,497 | Health +$15,105 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$156,673 | CA$135,338 | Health +$21,335 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Health Informatics Specialist or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Health Informatics Specialist is $116,580/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $17,002 (17%).
Which has better career growth — Health Informatics Specialist or Genetic Counselor?+
Health Informatics Specialist roles are growing at 22% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Health Informatics Specialist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Health Informatics Specialist to Genetic Counselor?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Health Informatics Specialist or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.